Maple Pecan Quick Bread: Rustic & Ready in an Hour
Maple Pecan Quick Bread
Maple Pecan Quick Bread truly holds a special place in my heart, instantly whisking me back to those crisp autumn mornings, where the air carried the sweet scent of woodsmoke and my kitchen glowed with glorious natural light. I can vividly remember whipping up the very first batch, chasing that deep, soul-satisfying comfort without the usual fuss of yeast, wanting that cozy, homemade feeling without waiting all day.
This recipe was born from a desire for pure, unadulterated goodness that delivers quickly – a rustic marvel ready in about an hour, much like my go-to chocolate chip banana bread for impromptu gatherings. It’s become a cherished staple, offering incredible flavor with minimal effort and without the lengthy proofing time.
Over countless weekend mornings, this Maple Pecan Quick Bread has been tweaked and perfected, becoming a beloved family secret I’m now thrilled to share with you. It tastes like a warm hug, and if you’re as smitten with the maple-pecan combination as I am, you might also adore this peach pecan bundt cake with maple cream from Taste Charm, perfect for a slightly more elaborate occasion.
Maple Pecan Quick Bread: Rustic & Ready in an Hour
Course: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA wonderfully moist and flavorful Maple Pecan Quick Bread, perfect for fall and winter gatherings or a cozy morning treat. Ready in about an hour with minimal fuss, topped with a simple maple glaze.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup (pure, Grade A amber)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the maple syrup, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread cools, prepare the maple glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk/cream in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Slice and serve!
Notes
- A Family Secret: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the batter is a game-changer! It really brings out their nutty flavor and adds depth to the bread. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, watching carefully, makes all the difference.
- Real Talk Moment: Don’t overmix your batter! Quick breads thrive on a light touch. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dry loaf. Mix until just combined, even if there are a few lumps. Trust me, your bread will thank you!
- Kitchen Memory: For an extra cozy touch, try adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg along with the cinnamon. It’s a tiny addition, but it amplifies those warm, comforting spices beautifully, especially when enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
